Mark Tatum appointed NBA Deputy Commissioner and COO

NEW YORK, Jan. 31 (Xinhua) -- The NBA Board of Governors had unanimously approved the appointment of Mark Tatum to NBA Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer, the NBA announced here on Friday.

According to a statement of NBA, Tatum will take on his new role on Saturday when current NBA Deputy Commissioner and COO Adam Silver becomes NBA Commissioner.

Current Commissioner David Stern left the office on Friday after 30-year spell as the Commissioner. Stern took the role on February 1, 1984.

The NBA also announced the promotions of three other league executives, including Bill Koenig, Sal LaRocca and Danny Meiseles, also effective on February.

"Mark Tatum's appointment as NBA Deputy Commissioner is recognition of the confidence our owners and teams have in his leadership ability and track record of success," Silver was quoted as saying in the statement. "As Deputy Commissioner and COO, Mark will use his extensive industry relationships and knowledge of our game to help guide and grow our league."